Mrs Francis told how Dante was “always joking and laughing” as a baby and as a youngster had excelled at sport

“Dante’s girlfriend was pregnant at the time that he was killed and it hurts me so much knowing he will never get to be the amazing father I know he would have been.”

“The man who killed my son has shown a total disregard for life and I find that disgusting.

“He has devastated so many family members and friends who all loved Dante.

“Nothing can bring back my son but he needs justice and this murderer needs to be locked away for a very long time.”

Peter Wilcock QC, defending, said Halliday-Fox had written a letter to the court saying he was “truly sorry” for what he had done.

He added: “This is not a case where there is premeditation.”

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Tatlow, from Derbyshire Police, said: “The simple fact is that, if Dominic Halliday-Fox had not gone to that party that night armed with a knife, we would not be in this tragic situation now where a family has lost a young and well-loved young man.”

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